Daniel the Draftnick – How Four NFL Teams Set Themselves Up Perfectly for the Draft

Story by Daniel Rios (AKA Daniel the Draftnick)  

The first chance for NFL teams to improve their squad started last week with free agency. The top names are gone, meaning the next step for immediate improvement is the NFL draft. Teams that have a clear offseason plan attack free agency with a clear agenda. It gives them the flexibility in the NFL draft, where they aren’t forced to take a certain position group or player.

Team building isn’t easy, and there are a plethora of ways NFL teams can get it done, but these four teams clearly went into NFL free agency with a plan and now enter the draft with some much-needed flexibility when it’s their turn on the clock.

Carolina Panthers 

Main additions: OT Rasheed Walker, Edge Jaelan Phillips, LB Devin Lloyd, WR John Metchie III

General manager Dan Morgan knows how to attack his team’s needs in free agency. In 2025, he signed safety Tre’von Moehrig and defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton, as both positions were needed for his team. The signings gave the team the flexibility to draft wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan in the first round in 2025 without feeling any pressure to take a defensive player.

Morgan has done the same this year in free agency, targeting needs like edge rusher and linebacker, both of which were major needs for the Panthers going into the offseason. Addressing those holes gives the Panthers some options at No. 19 overall.

They could look at linebacker with guys like CJ Allen, or even adding another receiving target for quarterback Bryce Young with Jordyn Tyson or Kenyon Sadiq. Regardless of who they choose, the Panthers aren’t forced to pick an offensive tackle, linebacker or edge rusher with the 19th overall selection because of how they attacked free agency.

New York Jets 

Main additions: QB Geno Smith, OG Dylan Parham, Edge Joseph Ossai, DL T’Vondre Sweat, LB Demario Davis, S Minkah Fitzpatrick

Any Jets fan can tell you the roster simply lacked talent in 2025. The defense was abysmal, and despite the team having four picks within the top 50 in April, it wasn’t enough to address all the needs littered throughout the roster. With head coach Aaron Glenn calling plays in 2026, he needed talent to execute his vision on that side of the ball.

It’s clear that his and general manager Darren Mougey’s vision were aligned when free agency started. They acquired players who raise the team’s floor going into 2026: Davis, Fitzpatrick and Ossai. While none of those players are exactly home run hitters, it fills needs for the Jets to let them pick the best player available when they’re on the clock in April.

The last thing Jets fans want is their team reaching for a player because it didn’t address a need in free agency. The Jets addressed some needs, and now they can be flexible and pick whoever they feel will make their team better with their selections in April.

Quarterback is still a major need for them, but it’s safe to assume that with the trade of Geno Smith, the Jets will wait for the 2027 draft, which is slated to be a better quarterback class and a draft in which they have three first-round picks.

 

Las Vegas Raiders 

Main additions: WR Jalen Nailor, C Tyler Linderbaum, Edge Kwity Paye, LB Nakobe Dean, LB Quay Walker, CB Taron Johnson

Despite retaining Maxx Crosby after the whole Ravens trade fiasco, this Raiders team desperately needed talent going into free agency. General manager John Spytek addressed key holes the Raiders had, especially at the interior offensive line and linebacker.

With Fernando Mendoza likely going No. 1 overall, that answers the quarterback need for the Raiders. The rest of the draft can focus on beefing up the defense and, potentially, the offensive line. Like the Jets, the signings the Raiders made raise the team’s floor.

After the 1st overall pick, the next nine Raiders picks can be focused on the best player available, with a mix of getting Mendoza more weapons. It’s a deep wide receiver class, which gives Las Vegas even more flexibility with their selections on Day 2 of the draft.

 

Washington Commanders 

Main additions: Edge K’Lavon Chaisson, Edge Odafe Oweh, LB Leo Chenal, CB Amik Robertson, DT Tim Settle

The Commanders needed defensive help, and picking at 7th overall, defense was a real possibility. After the combined performances of Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese, it’s likely those two won’t be on the board at No. 7 overall. It’s uncertain what will happen when the draft starts in April, but general manager Adam Peters clearly wanted to take matters into his own hands.

He addressed the pass rush help his team needed and added some good depth on the defensive side of the ball. It opens up the Commanders to take a wide receiver or running back (if Jeremiyah Love falls) in the first round.

Quarterback Jayden Daniels didn’t have the sophomore season that Commanders fans were hoping for, as it was injury-riddled. As he hopes to bounce back, Washington just needs more offensive weapons for him. Wide receiver Terry McLaurin has struggled to stay on the field, and the wide receiver depth behind him is alright. Washington can now comfortably take an offensive player with the 7th overall pick because of how they attacked free agency.